Andrey, Aaron, Laurent, Arsene, Freddie and early Spurs team news.

Every time the weekend comes, I think of the Happy Days theme tune. Ironically, the title of that programme isn’t exactly an apt description of current life as a Gooner. If only The Fonz could fix our problems the same way he fixes jukeboxes.

“AYYEEE!”

Tomorrow, it’s the big one. Tomorrow, form and the aforementioned troubles count for diddley squat. Oddly enough, I’ve a strange feeling of calm about the game. Tomorrow’s post will cover the pre-game thoughts I have in greater depth, but the news relating to Arsenal and our players has started to pick up.

One individual who won’t be there is Andrey Arshavin, who casually and succinctly announced his departure from the club with a mere 2 words. His recent form hasn’t been great, I’m certain he wouldn’t have remained at the club for long had he stayed, but allowing him to move mid-February is baffling. Perhaps, there is much behind the scenes information you or I know nothing of. Regardless, I’ve always had a soft spot for him, and I wish him all the best. It may only be a loan to Zenit St Petersburg, but I’d wager this week’s run-out with the reserves will be his last action in an Arsenal shirt.

Earlier yesterday morning, Le Boss had some wise words to say to the media:

“I do not need to respond to every single opinion. Everyone has the right to have an opinion, it does not mean they are right.

“No matter what we say at the moment it will be printed in a negative way. It is up to us to transform that into a positive way.

“You can’t complain. We are in a fantastic job and we have a big game in front of us – to feel sorry for ourselves would be criminal. We have a good opportunity to show we have character. Let’s go for it.”

Good to hear, and I concur 100%. For all the team’s faltering, for all their recent blunders, victory over Spurs would be the ideal tonic of forgiveness. In a week where they’ve been maligned by many, an opportunity is upcoming to give the fans something to cheer about. Hopefully, they’ve prepared for some sleeves to be rolled up and there will be a proper Arsenal display on show.

Early team news has Koscielny and Gibbs fit to return to the squad – albeit after late tests on Sunday they’re expected to pass, but Aaron Ramsey is out with an ankle injury. I expect his place to go to Rosicky.

And that’s yer lot, folks. Thanks for reading, you beautiful bastards. Take a moment to comment, and follow my Twitter account @_ArmchairGooner.

As a special treat, I thought I’d leave you with this video of Freddie Ljungberg’s views on the North London derby. Don’t you just love how he still refers to Arsenal as ‘we’ and ‘us’?